
Kitchen Design 2 : How to choose the right worktop for your ideal kitchen?
Updated: Aug 29, 2021
Worktop Materials

When it comes to kitchen worktop, you need to consider the style and budget. The worktop you choose will have a huge impact on both functionality and look of your kitchen. The most common kitchen worktop materials are granite, quartz, Corian, concrete, stainless steel, laminate and solid wood.
Granite

Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase. It is also a porous natural stone material.
Pros:
Appealing Aesthetic
Versatility
Durability
Scratch resistance
Heat resistance
Natural element
Long lasting Material
Value booster
Cons:
Heaviness
Porous surface produce a stain
Cost: between £170 and £450 per square foot
Quartz

It can mimic the natural stone like marble with the subtle veining and dazzling sheen.

Quartz is an engineered stone, made of 90% of natural quartz, and 10% of resin, polymers, sand, pigments as well as crushed mirror particles. It's the ideal material for high-use areas and the most durable material on the market.
Pros:
Elegant and sleek appearance
Seamless finish
Durability
Non-porous
Stain resistance
Substitute of natural stones
Low maintenance
Versatility
Cons:
Susceptible to heat damage
Difficult installation
Can fade and become discoloured
Cost: between £50 and £100 per square foot on average with installation charges included. The average medium size kitchen quartz worktop costs between £2,700 and £5,400.
Corian

Corian is a man-made product made from resin and filler. Acrylic resin is applied to the top of a substrate material to create a seamless worktops that can be moulded into many contemporary designs.
Pros:
Seamless finish
Non-porous surface
Stain resistance
Flexibility
Repairability
Cons:
High price
Easily damaged by heat
Water damage
Susceptible to scratching
Cost: average £42.44 per square foot without installation charge. The average medium size kitchen Corian worktop costs £3,500.
Concrete

Concrete worktop creates an industrial look that works well in both ultra modern and farmhouse country kitchens.
Pros:
Durability
Customisation
Sleek and minimalistic look
Seamless finish
Heat resistance
Cons:
High maintenance
High price
Prone to cracking
Susceptible to scratches
Susceptible to staining
Cost: £299 per metre
Stainless Steel

Stainless steel worktop is a great option for contemporary kitchen design.
Pros:
Durability
Heat resistance
Stain resistance
Easy to clean
Non-porous surface
Bacteria resistance
Mold or milder resistance
Custom-made flexibility
Distinctive feel and look
Cons:
Susceptible to scratching
Prone to denting
A cold look
Noisy level
Cost: from £270 per metre
Laminate

Laminate worktop is formed by the laminate sheet that is attached to a chipboard (particle board) substrate. The laminate sheet is a synthetic plastic material that looks like wood and natural stone.
Pros:
Low maintenance
Cheap price
Chemicals and stains resistance
Variety
Easy to fit
Substitute of wood and natural stones
Cons:
Water damage
Cost: £20-£50 per square metre
Solid Wood

Solid wood worktop brings a sense of warmth and texture to your kitchen.
Pros:
Timeless style
Warmth
Anti-bacterial property
Eco-friendly
Cons:
Water damage
High maintenance like regular sealing
Easily scratched and dented
Scorch marks
Cost: £50-£150 per square metre
Whether you're renovating your kitchen or buying a new kitchen, finding a worktop to perfectly suit your needs is vital. By weighing the pros and cons of above worktop materials and checking their prices, you will feel confident to choose the right material for your kitchen worktop.
